20 lb set up (Avet MXJ vs Daiwa Saltist STT30T

hbmike11 · Jul-13-2006, 07:02 AM

Need some advice on a 20 lb reel. I have a Avet MXL for my 25 lb set up and I’m looking for a new 20 lb reel. I’ve narrowed it down to the Avet MXJ or the Daiwa Saltist STT30T. This reel would mainly be used for live bait and a little bit of casting…Most of my fishing would be at Catalina Island or the occasional tuna boat out of San Diego. What are the main advantages to having a lever drag (Avet) vs the star drag on the (Daiwa). Any input would be great. I considered the Shimano Torium, I just didn’t like the feel compared to the Daiwa. The price of the Avet is about $30 dollars more than the Daiwa, so price is not a factor.

FishStalker · Jul-13-2006, 07:48 AM

I use the MXJ for 20# (no spectra) and it is a great little reel. I just bought an MXL so I have a 25# lever drag reel (my goto 25# reel is my Progear 282).

Trying to adjust a star drag on the fly is very hit and miss but the 'known' drag increase with a lever drag when you push it to full takes most of the guess work out of it.

x-man · Jul-13-2006, 08:08 AM

When I bought an MXJ a little over a year ago it my first small lever drag reel. Took a little getting used to but now it's my go to 20# reel for live bait fishing. Casts even small baits a mile and the drag is smooth like butta'. Don't own a Saltist so I don't know how it compares.

hucklongfin · Jul-13-2006, 09:03 AM

Both are solid. The Saltist will probably out cast the Avet especially with smaller live bait. Both are way more than you'd need for 20#.

If smaller is better then go with the Avet SX which is rated at 220 of 20#. That's fine at Cat and fishing albies. Back with 30# spectra if you want more capacity.

**Surfdoc** · Jul-13-2006, 09:17 AM

I use 30# on my MX............ and 20# on the SX.

Both killer reels.. and I have yet to really push the limits on them.

JTAP · Jul-13-2006, 09:23 AM

I own a MXL and had a Slatist 40 in addition to my other AVETS. Its a tough call they are both excellent reels, diffrent but both strong in their own way. If I had to make my choice today I would lean toward the saltist but woould have no problem getting the MXJ.

**sdangler** · Jul-13-2006, 09:24 AM

Calico caught a 40# Yellow Fin Tuna on his SX at Alijos a few weeks ago on 15# test. The side plate was warm, but he got it. Was impressive to watch.

I got a 50# on 20# test on my MXL 6/3 at the rocks on the same trip.

Don't own the Diawa, so can't compare.

Mark